I was a complete newbie and knew nothing about fish and i added them in tap water and new aquarium. The goldfish surprisingly survived, i did more research and fixed everything for them and rehomed them in a stabled pond :) I know a ton more about the care of fish now and have been keeping them for 3 years now.
I had my fish for 7 years, I guess the pipes at my old home were really dirty because I just used tap water for their tank. We moved to my new house that was in a brand new estate, I used the tap water and they all got super sick and died ):
Have probably started close to a hundred new tanks in my life, never waited, always started with one fish or a couple of small ones, feed very little the first few weeks. Most the time add a live plant or 2. Wait 3 or 4 weeks, add a few more. Never any issues. The key is to go slow and don't over feed. These days with products like prime it is even easier.
Can I add 3 guppies into a 20 gallon (80 litre) tank along with a plant and expect them to be ok? The tank is brand new and the water and etc is all non cycled but if I add some conditioner along with the fish and etc straight away would that be fine? Thanks
Tazawa Tanks No....thank you for the time and effort you put into videos. But I do think play lists help a channel to grow. Especially with hobbys etc. We all learn from someone and a well structured channel is a thing of greatness to learn from....especially when in a rush for information when something jas gone wrong lol. Your videos are well presented and most helpful
Oh heck yeah Boss, this video is second best from the one from your prior video "about how many fish can I add to my tank" very much explains beginning to end. Thank you from Houston TX.
My neighbor gave us three small goldfish in an old school goldfish bowl, which is about 12 inches x 12 inches x 10 inches. I just set up a bigger tank but am worried about keeping the fish in the small bowl for a month. On balance is it better to keep them in the small bowl and wait for the proper tank to cycle? Or transfer them, perhaps with their old water which am sure has cycled. Thanks!
Sorry to come so late to the party, but this great video still shows up on top when researching this on TH-cam (not that this should be the only "research" site to use in this case). Just wanted to mention the information missing here (and I am NO fish expert): When you just let the tank run for a month, the water has NOT CYCLED--there is nothing there to "cycle." Beneficial bacteria are what we are all after since they break down the harmful chemicals ammonia and nitrite, but even if you ADD them (bacteria) to a fresh tank they cannot break down what isn't there. Please let folks know that they need to add fish food or something to their water first to provide a source of ammonia to feed the bacteria, therefore beginning the cycle. Plenty of new fish keepers as well as Petco employees are simply misinformed about starting a tank and while everyone tells you (on TH-cam and in aquatics forums online) about the cycle, nobody mentions how to start it properly. May of the forums suggest using "starter fish." Is that like buying a "starter dog?!" Look, I'm just an idiot who doesn't matter from anyone, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like to see more information out there on how to PROPERLY set up a tank. Thanks and God bless!
I'm so relieved my fantail goldfish were all fine after I added them to a new tank 24 hours after setting up (what I was told to do at pet shop incorrectly!) 3 months in and all fish healthy and no problems phew but wouldn't do that again having watched this!
Good vid braddah, thought? You should set up a new tank with everything new and then set up a tank with used media show your viewers (especially the new fish keepers) how long it takes before you add fish maybe do a time lapse for obvious reasons but it would awesome for new fish keepers take care much love and aloha 🤙🏽🐠🤙🏽
I got a 3 gallon tank. Added conditioner, cycled 24 hours. Can I add fish, do I need a live plant. Not alot of room, but can do. Please any help. For my kid
OK so here’s my question, A family member but my kids fish for Easter. They bought four fantail goldfish, and only a 5 gallon tank. So when I found out that those fish need a bigger tank I went and bought one, It’s only been up and running for about 24 hours do you think our fish will be fine in the tank that they’re in for a week? I did only wait 48 hours to put them in this tank and I hope that they’re OK. 🥺 My family members said that they were experts, so I trusted 48 hours was okay.
Hello there Tazawa, so let's say I have a new set of filter and aquarium but I do put rocks that have algae growing on them in the aquarium, is it safe to say that, that'll help to cycle the aquarium faster?
What would you do if you bought a tank from someone who also gave you the fish that were present in the tank ? I’m bringing a bucket for the fish for the drive back home but how long should i wait for the tank to cycle in this situation ?
I know this video is from May last year, but I'm hoping for some insight. Just set up a 38 gallon tank. Water has been dechlorinated, adjusted to neutral pH, and supplemented with bottled bacteria booster. Tank is holding steady at 78 degrees. The fish store gave me a used filter sponge and a bag of "sludge" with my purchase of three live plants, and I've been adding small amounts of food every twelve hours for a couple days. I'm wondering if these measures are enough to start introducing a light bioload of eight baby cardinal tetras. I'll keep these as the only population until nitrates appear with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm. Does this sound like a viable plan?
If you already added a used filter, I would imagine you have some bb already. Did you do a test after adding it? I would still rely on the how the test comes out. When you have some nitrates, you should be okay. (Zero nitrite/very little ammonia of course).
@@TazawaTanks Thanks so much for your reply. Latest test had ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates all flatline. I figured that was because so little biological material has been added to the tank, which has only been up for a couple days. The bacteria have had very little to eat, after all, and that's why I was considering a light bioload to start. The cardinal tetras at the shop are just babies, very tiny -- I feel like 8 of them in 38 gallons should get things rolling without creating too much of an ammonia spike. Is that sound reasoning?
Seed the tank with a -little- fish flakes every other day, and test the water weekly using a water test kit such as the API freshwater master test kit. Monitor the test results. You’ll see the ammonia rise, eventually the nitrites, then the nitrates. When the ammonia and nitrites drop to 0ppm and your nitrates stabilizes at 20ppm or less, you can slowly add fish, but only a few at a time as to not create a bio overload. The cycle process will take 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the filter running at all times as the bacteria will inhabit the filter media. Again, a testing kit is crucial.
I know this video is old, but I just got a used 20 gallon tank, I kept the rocks in it and also put a algae ball from another tank in there as well will this help speed up the process at all?
I have a ton of questions.. I wasn't told any of this when I bought the tank after my son won the fish at the carnival. If you can schedule in sone time to chat I will pay for your time because I really need to ask someone trustworthy some things. I care very much for the fish now 😂 and I can't stand not knowing what to do or if they are in pain. Thanks for the info and I hope to here from you soon.
I have a 3.5 gallon and a I’ve lost whatever fish i put in it within a few days. I got a filter and heater, live plant, water conditioner and good bacteria so that should be all good. How long should i let that size of a tank cycle for
I just set up my 20 gallon yesterday. I added water conditioner and some bacteria from a bottle. I do not plan on adding any fish soon, but can I open my blinds and allow direct sunlight to hit my tan in order to grow bacteria/algea quicker?
I have a tank with fish that I am transferring to a bigger new tank. I added some of the water from their tank to the new one as well as a piece of drift wood from their tank. I throw in some fih food into the new tank when I feed the fish in their old/current tank. Although I will check the water parameters before doing so, do you think I could add them sooner than a month?
If you already have an established tank, just move everything from the old tank over to the new one and put the fish in. If you are moving over the decorations, substrate and filter, it will be immediately cycled.
@@TazawaTanks well the decor and substrate is staying but there is another piece of driftwood I will be moving plus I was gonna take the HOB filter and let it run on the new tank for abit along with the new filter
What if you add half normal water and half algae water that the fish has been living in for a long time?? I really need some help I just found a fish in the house that we rent out and it is in an old disgusting bathtub it only has one oxygen plant and I want to get the fish out as soon as possible, I’ve added half the water and half clean water to a tank , water conditioner and a filter and more lives plants, PLEASE ANSWER I want to get him out as soon as possible 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
hello i have just planted planted some plants from seeds and its 2 weeks now I haven't added water yet so as the roots should catch up the gravel substrate, but the problem is am facing some net algae/web algae in the gravel and attaching the plants, so am asking what's the problem ?? should i add water now n.b I leave lights on for 6hrs, its 30W ,and the tank is 45g
So if I put the old filter on the tank to allow the old filter cycle through, can I place them in there the same day? I have a 55 gallon tank and a 20 gallon filter. If I let it cycle for about a couple hours can I place fish in tank??
What do you think about putting a very light bioload in the tank to help 'kickstart' the nitrogen cycle? Maybe one fairly hardy or fairly small fish from the intended stocking list, or even a few neon tetras, just to get the nitrogen/bacteria cycle rolling?
A lot of people do that, and I’ve done it before. My feeling is that if you are going to also add plants, that is fine. I personally will no longer do it that way unless I’m adding plants.
I have a question the woman gave us a bottle of bacteria culture to reduce NH3+NH4 and NO.2 and PO.4 and NO.3 does this help and does it mean I can add them faster
I'm just starting out with my first tank and it has been cycling for 3 weeks. At this point there is zero ammonia, but the nitrites are 2 ppm and the nitrates are 10 ppm and haven't changed in days. Am I doing something wrong or should be doing something differently??? Need some guidance. Thanks!!!
You are most likely nearing the end of the cycle. Wait until the nitrites disappear. Nitrates will elevate around the same time. You could also add live plants to help the process.
@@TazawaTanks All numbers spiked last week and now holding at 2 ppm for nitrites and 10 ppm for nitrates. It is a planted tank. So do nothing? Just wait? Thanks for your response!!!
You should either buy a test kit or have a local fish store test the water (you can bring a sample in a small jar). You will want to make sure that you don't have ammonia or nitrite in the tank.
Someone please give some advice, today I got a betta fish tank and it says I have to wait 3 days for the water to get conditioned, I’ve added bio and conditioner but my question is, do I leave my filter heater overnight I’m not sure
Leave your filter running as well as your heater. Those should always stay on. Use a water conditioner or dechlorinator to make sure the water is safe for your fish.
I have a 40 gallon tank and it’s been cycling for 2 and a half weeks. I’ve been using prime with every water change, using api quick start every other day. But during the 2 weeks my ammonia’s been at .25 ppm and hasn’t moved up or down but my nitrites and nitrates and went up drastically. Am I doing something wrong?
Tazawa Tanks I heard that removing about 15-20% of the water weekly will actually speed up the process. I’m doing a fish less cycle and putting fish food in for the ammonia breakdown etc. should I continue doing the fish food or just let it run on it’s own for awhile?
I waited 10 days before adding 3 shrimp and doing a 30% water change. My driftwood looks moldy and my lavarock has white/yellow spots on them, so i felt that i needed to change the water. Bad idea? Any advice?
Sorry your wrong on this it is a minimum of 2 fulldays if you have a great filter like the f×4 or f×6 filter that is a fact so were he got his information is not accurate
@@donaldmartin4620 actually you're incorrect if you want to do it properly he is correct depending on the size of the tank I would recommend two weeks minimum for a brand new system 2 days is definitely not enough for a brand new system
Donald, you are incorrect. The size of the filter (in your case large canister filters) does nothing as far as accelerating the nitrogen cycle. Incorrect information such as what you have shared is dangerous to fish and new fish keepers, as it could cause their fish to die.
How do I know that it is ready I just see alge and sorry I don't really know anything about cycling I just don't understand anything. I need a ph test ok
I added two blood parrots to my tank along with four gourami after two days because thats whats the people at the pet store told me. Am i out if luck and money in a couple days now? I dont have another tank ti transfer them to thats already been cycled
I’m cycling my 10 gallon I’m on day 4 is a Bactria bloom ok for a cycling tank also my pet store said I should cycle for a week 7 days should I wait for 14 days/ 2 weeks???
Tazawa Tanks umm is it ok during the Bactria bloom is it ok if I add a little bit of fish food so I can turn into ammonia??? Plus there’s a lot of bacteria during the bloom would that help cycle the tank I did hear of fish cycling I’m doing 1 week fishless cycling the rest of my cycling tank with fish it’s a 10 gallon I’m gonna add 3 guppy’s to help cause they are really hardy fish they are also the type a fish I’m gonna add to my tank but ya know fish waste equals bacteria food and I have ALIT of Bactria lol I just wanted to ask u cause I have 3 more days till I get the guppy’s to help with the rest of my cycling is this ok??0
@@TazawaTanks i like to start with 2 small clowns and then wait a week or 2 before adding another fish possibly a fox face , blenny or something like that
ive had a fish tank for almost 3 years but unfortunately about a year ago the fish had died and there hasnt been fish in it since. it was covered in algae I cleaned yesterday (most of it. I couldnt clean it all), the filter is older than 3 years, how long should I wait to put fish in the tank?
You should treat it like a band new tank and get a test kit and allow it to complete the nitrogen cycle. This usually takes around 4 weeks, but you will need to test it.
How about Indian Almond leaves? Would those help the fish when you first put them in when the tank starts cycling?(signs of algae and plant growth etc)
Ok so my situation is that I got a brand new tank, rocks, and filter and wasn't told about the cycle. I put my goldfish in the tank way too soon and it died. Do I clean the fishtank or let it go on with it's cycle??? Help
If everything is okay after it has been tested, then it is cycled. If your testing a new tank in the first week or two and get no readings, it’s not yet cycled.
I am house shopping and have a 55 now with cichlids and want a house that I can set up a 125 in it. If I use my current canister and sponge filter and rocks can I set the new tank up in the move with these and of course upping my filter capacity which meets 125 now, but I am all about over filtration, can I transfer my fish to the 125 since I am using all my old stuff except the substrate. Also do you have any advice about moving the fish themselves?
Not really necessary. Just make sure old tank water is in with the filter and rocks. As far as the fish, I would put them in 5 gallon buckets to move them.
What if my tank is already one month old and it became a house for my fishes then just after a month, I decided to aquascape my tank will I still have to wait for another month in order to add fish?
To make it simple, this is all about the filter not the aquarium tank? I mean of course I removed and transferred my fishes in another aquarium, drained 100% of the water content of the tank, then did the aquascaping works. Does is it still make the nitrogen cycle established? Or I am going to start from scratch once again?
@@Luceium01 Unless I missed something, the video discussed adding tap water, rather than well water. Which means there is no need to add the conditioner you would need to add to tap water(because of the chlorine). I don't think it would make a difference in how long it would take to cycle though.
Arghadip Ghosh I would suggest testing to see if there is some level of nitrates in the tank. However, if you are adding a lot of old substrate, you should be able to add a few fish. Not the full stocking amount, but a few to start.
That is true it takes about a month to cycle but that is not true if you buy the ingredients to it, I have a tank that I put fish literally the next day and they are just fine, buy the right bacteria and add your fish and you should be fine
No, because in order for the cycle to start and be complete, some type of organic has to be introduced so that ammonia can be introduced. This can be from something like a pinch of fish food, a decaying leaf or piece of wood, etc.
@@TazawaTanks oh ok. Thanks for responding. Well this is what I just did... I took the used filter out of my already established tank and put it in the brand new one. Then put the brand new filter in the old tank. My thinking was the good bacteria from the old tank would cycle in the new tank and the new filter would help clean the old tank while also gleaning bacteria for when I swap back in a day or so. Legit? Did I F up?
@@tsteel80 That’s exactly what I would do. The old filter in the new tank is just the jumpstart it needs. If you didn’t add fish right away after adding the old filter to the new tank, sprinkle some food in there to feed the bacteria. With the the old tank and new filter, the bacteria that’s in the substrate and on decorations will find its way into the new filter in a few days.
Gret video, I need some help. Recently ive bought 360l (95) gal tank. I think ill keep 2oscars, tank was used and came with old filter. Ill change the filter because its too small. If I run tank with old and later add new, do I still need to do cycle?
If the old filter already has been cycled, you will not need to run the cycle again. This means that the old filter should be filtering a tank right now. If it isn’t, you will need to start from the beginning.
My old 125g Emperor 400 x’s 2 filter pads, bio wheels, ceramic media sat in 5 gallons of tank water for 3 months while I relocated..ready to use now in new 135 g tank...waters readings show 0 on nitrates and nitrite, ammonia 0.25 pounds
What type of catfish? It's not a matter of how long it's a matter of when the tank cycles, you'll need a test kit and there's hundreds of articles and videos on it, it's called the nitrogen cycle and every single tank needs it. If you're cycling a completely new tank, it will take about 4-6 weeks, maybe longer
so... i putted my 5 fish in that i got with the aquarium in it after 24 hours (warm water fish), bought from a guy who had to stop cuz a baby was coming ;D but then i got to a store n they sad exact same that they will 99% die cuz the water, bac exc. i used old sponges/filter. i putted bacterie already in it and conditioner. but when i test the water with 2 types of test strips (tests 6 things) they are all good. ?????? idk why but seems oke ??????
@@TazawaTanks yea not supised nowadays everyone's getting into the hobby and have not a single clue they think they can just do all the stuff the youtubers do or put 20 goldfish in a 5 gallon with a betta no heater or filter then they wonder why there fish die the next morning
Not sure how the tank can cycle if there's nothing to create the bacteria. I was always taught run the tank for a couple weeks and it should be okay. Never put the fish early after set up. Most of the reason fish die when being put in a few fish tank is the stress of being moved itself. I had fish for years and never waited more than a week or two to add new fish. They were mostly fine.
![[UNCUT] "บอสณวัฒน์" แฉ! แหล่งซุกเงินแก๊งบอส ขยันผิดที่ไม่กี่ปีก็เข้าคุก l คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ l17ต.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BL56qIfXYZM/mqdefault.jpg)
![Prevent NEW FISH DIE OFF [Watch this Before Adding Fish] My Top 5 Deadly Mistakes when Adding Fish!](/img/n.gif)
Hey Everyone. Here is an updated video that may help many of you with new aquariums: th-cam.com/video/wYwJ7minXpg/w-d-xo.html
I was a complete newbie and knew nothing about fish and i added them in tap water and new aquarium. The goldfish surprisingly survived, i did more research and fixed everything for them and rehomed them in a stabled pond :) I know a ton more about the care of fish now and have been keeping them for 3 years now.
jasmine nice 😬
Gold fish are tuff they can take
I had my fish for 7 years, I guess the pipes at my old home were really dirty because I just used tap water for their tank. We moved to my new house that was in a brand new estate, I used the tap water and they all got super sick and died ):
mkvvv They really are and seem to survive more than others!
@@adoreyou7449 so you had them for 7 years and never knew you had to declorinate the water
Here are some more tips on aquariums, especially if you are new to keeping fish: th-cam.com/play/PLQfZ4SsSis1Plg36H_GnwhpGBI5UtWQw5.html
Have probably started close to a hundred new tanks in my life, never waited, always started with one fish or a couple of small ones, feed very little the first few weeks. Most the time add a live plant or 2. Wait 3 or 4 weeks, add a few more. Never any issues. The key is to go slow and don't over feed. These days with products like prime it is even easier.
Garden Pond Fish Greenhouse what kind of fish did you start with? Did you specifically pick hardy fish or can you do it with any fish?
Can I add 3 guppies into a 20 gallon (80 litre) tank along with a plant and expect them to be ok? The tank is brand new and the water and etc is all non cycled but if I add some conditioner along with the fish and etc straight away would that be fine?
Thanks
@@user-sg9fj5lm9w anything cheap will work 😂. They will die for a cause 😂
@@Beerme-pl2ml Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.
You should create a fish keeping 101 playlist as your last few videos including this one are invaluable to newcomers. Good man 👍
ARD's Corner Great idea. Thank you!
Tazawa Tanks No....thank you for the time and effort you put into videos. But I do think play lists help a channel to grow. Especially with hobbys etc. We all learn from someone and a well structured channel is a thing of greatness to learn from....especially when in a rush for information when something jas gone wrong lol. Your videos are well presented and most helpful
I'm getting fish soon and I can not waitttt!!!! I have been doing lots of research!!!
Oh heck yeah Boss, this video is second best from the one from your prior video "about how many fish can I add to my tank" very much explains beginning to end. Thank you from Houston TX.
My neighbor gave us three small goldfish in an old school goldfish bowl, which is about 12 inches x 12 inches x 10 inches. I just set up a bigger tank but am worried about keeping the fish in the small bowl for a month. On balance is it better to keep them in the small bowl and wait for the proper tank to cycle? Or transfer them, perhaps with their old water which am sure has cycled. Thanks!
Sorry to come so late to the party, but this great video still shows up on top when researching this on TH-cam (not that this should be the only "research" site to use in this case). Just wanted to mention the information missing here (and I am NO fish expert): When you just let the tank run for a month, the water has NOT CYCLED--there is nothing there to "cycle." Beneficial bacteria are what we are all after since they break down the harmful chemicals ammonia and nitrite, but even if you ADD them (bacteria) to a fresh tank they cannot break down what isn't there. Please let folks know that they need to add fish food or something to their water first to provide a source of ammonia to feed the bacteria, therefore beginning the cycle. Plenty of new fish keepers as well as Petco employees are simply misinformed about starting a tank and while everyone tells you (on TH-cam and in aquatics forums online) about the cycle, nobody mentions how to start it properly. May of the forums suggest using "starter fish." Is that like buying a "starter dog?!" Look, I'm just an idiot who doesn't matter from anyone, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I'd like to see more information out there on how to PROPERLY set up a tank. Thanks and God bless!
Just put prime and stability for 2 to 3 weeks until you see your tank cycle. I have 3 tanks that’s are heavily stocked and thriving.
I'm so relieved my fantail goldfish were all fine after I added them to a new tank 24 hours after setting up (what I was told to do at pet shop incorrectly!) 3 months in and all fish healthy and no problems phew but wouldn't do that again having watched this!
Good vid braddah, thought? You should set up a new tank with everything new and then set up a tank with used media show your viewers (especially the new fish keepers) how long it takes before you add fish maybe do a time lapse for obvious reasons but it would awesome for new fish keepers take care much love and aloha 🤙🏽🐠🤙🏽
You from Oahu?
Wow I love the fish in your tank to your right, my left.
I got a 3 gallon tank. Added conditioner, cycled 24 hours. Can I add fish, do I need a live plant. Not alot of room, but can do. Please any help. For my kid
When the fresh water aquarium is cycled for a month how many fishes you should introduce in the aquarium?
How is the bacteria going to grow if there is no food (fish waste) for them?
dkrink3 add food or ammonia to it.
Add Shrimp or fish flakes to start the establishment of bacteria formation. This makes it so the food rots and in return form into bacteria.
How many flakes?
U used sponge filter and squeeze it all over the tank duh
Tommy Pham lol cool
Hello I'm not sure when and if you will reply but I just got a beta fish 08/28/21 and I want to know when is it safe to add him to his new tank?
love the video it really help thanks👍
OK so here’s my question, A family member but my kids fish for Easter. They bought four fantail goldfish, and only a 5 gallon tank. So when I found out that those fish need a bigger tank I went and bought one, It’s only been up and running for about 24 hours do you think our fish will be fine in the tank that they’re in for a week? I did only wait 48 hours to put them in this tank and I hope that they’re OK. 🥺 My family members said that they were experts, so I trusted 48 hours was okay.
Hello there Tazawa, so let's say I have a new set of filter and aquarium but I do put rocks that have algae growing on them in the aquarium, is it safe to say that, that'll help to cycle the aquarium faster?
That will help, definitely.
You just answered the exact question on my mind! Thank you. New aquarium is on its way so getting prepared 😬
Awesome video you are very clear direct and well spoken a lot of people on you tube are painful to listen to thanks for this video Arnold :)
i bought a brand new tank and want glofish snd i put some gold gish inthe tank? am i doing the wromg thing?
You won't have nitrates unless you add a source of ammonium. How will the nitrogen cycle start if you just let the water sit there?
Sprinkle in a bit of fish food.
What would you do if you bought a tank from someone who also gave you the fish that were present in the tank ? I’m bringing a bucket for the fish for the drive back home but how long should i wait for the tank to cycle in this situation ?
This should help with your question: th-cam.com/video/wYwJ7minXpg/w-d-xo.html
I live in the country how long does it take for well water
The same. You need to establish beneficial bacteria in the aquarium.
I know this video is from May last year, but I'm hoping for some insight. Just set up a 38 gallon tank. Water has been dechlorinated, adjusted to neutral pH, and supplemented with bottled bacteria booster. Tank is holding steady at 78 degrees. The fish store gave me a used filter sponge and a bag of "sludge" with my purchase of three live plants, and I've been adding small amounts of food every twelve hours for a couple days. I'm wondering if these measures are enough to start introducing a light bioload of eight baby cardinal tetras. I'll keep these as the only population until nitrates appear with ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm. Does this sound like a viable plan?
If you already added a used filter, I would imagine you have some bb already. Did you do a test after adding it? I would still rely on the how the test comes out. When you have some nitrates, you should be okay. (Zero nitrite/very little ammonia of course).
@@TazawaTanks Thanks so much for your reply. Latest test had ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates all flatline. I figured that was because so little biological material has been added to the tank, which has only been up for a couple days. The bacteria have had very little to eat, after all, and that's why I was considering a light bioload to start. The cardinal tetras at the shop are just babies, very tiny -- I feel like 8 of them in 38 gallons should get things rolling without creating too much of an ammonia spike. Is that sound reasoning?
nice tips..!! thankhs... may i ask from day 1 i musnt turn off the filter and air pumps ? and after a month i can add fish already?
Seed the tank with a -little- fish flakes every other day, and test the water weekly using a water test kit such as the API freshwater master test kit. Monitor the test results. You’ll see the ammonia rise, eventually the nitrites, then the nitrates. When the ammonia and nitrites drop to 0ppm and your nitrates stabilizes at 20ppm or less, you can slowly add fish, but only a few at a time as to not create a bio overload. The cycle process will take 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the filter running at all times as the bacteria will inhabit the filter media. Again, a testing kit is crucial.
I know this video is old, but I just got a used 20 gallon tank, I kept the rocks in it and also put a algae ball from another tank in there as well will this help speed up the process at all?
The algae ball will help. The rocks would only help if they were still wet and immediately transferred.
I have a ton of questions.. I wasn't told any of this when I bought the tank after my son won the fish at the carnival. If you can schedule in sone time to chat I will pay for your time because I really need to ask someone trustworthy some things. I care very much for the fish now 😂 and I can't stand not knowing what to do or if they are in pain. Thanks for the info and I hope to here from you soon.
I have a 3.5 gallon and a I’ve lost whatever fish i put in it within a few days. I got a filter and heater, live plant, water conditioner and good bacteria so that should be all good. How long should i let that size of a tank cycle for
Depends on if the bacteria gets going. Anywhere from 2+ weeks to 6 weeks. If you have live plants, you’re probably okay now.
I just set up my 20 gallon yesterday. I added water conditioner and some bacteria from a bottle. I do not plan on adding any fish soon, but can I open my blinds and allow direct sunlight to hit my tan in order to grow bacteria/algea quicker?
Bacteria doesn’t need sunlight. They do need something to feed on though. Putting some fish food in the tank would be a good way to get it rolling.
I have a tank with fish that I am transferring to a bigger new tank. I added some of the water from their tank to the new one as well as a piece of drift wood from their tank. I throw in some fih food into the new tank when I feed the fish in their old/current tank. Although I will check the water parameters before doing so, do you think I could add them sooner than a month?
If you already have an established tank, just move everything from the old tank over to the new one and put the fish in. If you are moving over the decorations, substrate and filter, it will be immediately cycled.
@@TazawaTanks well the decor and substrate is staying but there is another piece of driftwood I will be moving plus I was gonna take the HOB filter and let it run on the new tank for abit along with the new filter
Yep. Just run the HOB for a few weeks in the new tank along with the new filter.
@@TazawaTanks but I can still transfer the fish right away?
Yes
What if you add half normal water and half algae water that the fish has been living in for a long time?? I really need some help I just found a fish in the house that we rent out and it is in an old disgusting bathtub it only has one oxygen plant and I want to get the fish out as soon as possible, I’ve added half the water and half clean water to a tank , water conditioner and a filter and more lives plants, PLEASE ANSWER I want to get him out as soon as possible 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
hello i have just planted planted some plants from seeds and its 2 weeks now I haven't added water yet so as the roots should catch up the gravel substrate, but the problem is am facing some net algae/web algae in the gravel and attaching the plants, so am asking what's the problem ?? should i add water now n.b I leave lights on for 6hrs, its 30W ,and the tank is 45g
So if I put the old filter on the tank to allow the old filter cycle through, can I place them in there the same day? I have a 55 gallon tank and a 20 gallon filter. If I let it cycle for about a couple hours can I place fish in tank??
What do you think about putting a very light bioload in the tank to help 'kickstart' the nitrogen cycle? Maybe one fairly hardy or fairly small fish from the intended stocking list, or even a few neon tetras, just to get the nitrogen/bacteria cycle rolling?
A lot of people do that, and I’ve done it before. My feeling is that if you are going to also add plants, that is fine. I personally will no longer do it that way unless I’m adding plants.
Sir please answer : do fishes hate to be in tanks ....even if its big and clean
Fish don’t feel hate. They can be stressed or not stressed.
I have a question the woman gave us a bottle of bacteria culture to reduce NH3+NH4 and NO.2 and PO.4 and NO.3 does this help and does it mean I can add them faster
Yes, it can be a boost and aid the process at times.
@@TazawaTanks thanks
I'm just starting out with my first tank and it has been cycling for 3 weeks. At this point there is zero ammonia, but the nitrites are 2 ppm and the nitrates are 10 ppm and haven't changed in days. Am I doing something wrong or should be doing something differently??? Need some guidance. Thanks!!!
You are most likely nearing the end of the cycle. Wait until the nitrites disappear. Nitrates will elevate around the same time. You could also add live plants to help the process.
@@TazawaTanks All numbers spiked last week and now holding at 2 ppm for nitrites and 10 ppm for nitrates. It is a planted tank. So do nothing? Just wait?
Thanks for your response!!!
Yep, patience is your friend!
@@TazawaTanks :)
Hi I just set up a new aquarium 29 gallon it's running and all how long should I wait until I add fish?
You should either buy a test kit or have a local fish store test the water (you can bring a sample in a small jar). You will want to make sure that you don't have ammonia or nitrite in the tank.
How about using your old tank water
Someone please give some advice, today I got a betta fish tank and it says I have to wait 3 days for the water to get conditioned, I’ve added bio and conditioner but my question is, do I leave my filter heater overnight I’m not sure
Leave your filter running as well as your heater. Those should always stay on. Use a water conditioner or dechlorinator to make sure the water is safe for your fish.
I put my red tail in my 55 gallon on the first day would he be ok?
Woah thanks I was going to buy fish tank and set it up tomorrow, glad I saw this video i was supposed to buy everything including fish.
I have a 40 gallon tank and it’s been cycling for 2 and a half weeks. I’ve been using prime with every water change, using api quick start every other day. But during the 2 weeks my ammonia’s been at .25 ppm and hasn’t moved up or down but my nitrites and nitrates and went up drastically. Am I doing something wrong?
You should not be doing any water changes while cycling. Every time you do a water change, you are basically going backwards in time.
Tazawa Tanks I heard that removing about 15-20% of the water weekly will actually speed up the process. I’m doing a fish less cycle and putting fish food in for the ammonia breakdown etc. should I continue doing the fish food or just let it run on it’s own for awhile?
I’ve had my fish in my tank for a week, there is algae and everything . How long can I wait for adding 3 fish ? (Corydoras ?)
Get a test kit. Once you can see that there isn’t any nitrite, and the ammonia is zero or very low and you have some nitrate, you are ok.
I waited 10 days before adding 3 shrimp and doing a 30% water change. My driftwood looks moldy and my lavarock has white/yellow spots on them, so i felt that i needed to change the water. Bad idea? Any advice?
Having white film on the wood is normal. It will go away eventually. Some shrimp and fish will even eat it.
The 2 angel fish I used to have ate most of it and my nitrite snail too
How long does it take for the jumpstart to cycle ? I put my old fish tank filter into my new tank it’s been a day so far no fish in it yet
That’s the best way. Adding old filter media is great.depending on what you were filtering before, you may be able to add fish now. Test the water.
So ur tellin me I have to keep the fish I already bought in a cup for a month while my new tank cycles? Great..............
LOL!!!
Same!
Sorry your wrong on this it is a minimum of 2 fulldays if you have a great filter like the f×4 or f×6 filter that is a fact so were he got his information is not accurate
@@donaldmartin4620 actually you're incorrect if you want to do it properly he is correct depending on the size of the tank I would recommend two weeks minimum for a brand new system 2 days is definitely not enough for a brand new system
Donald, you are incorrect. The size of the filter (in your case large canister filters) does nothing as far as accelerating the nitrogen cycle. Incorrect information such as what you have shared is dangerous to fish and new fish keepers, as it could cause their fish to die.
How do I know that it is ready I just see alge and sorry I don't really know anything about cycling I just don't understand anything. I need a ph test ok
I added two blood parrots to my tank along with four gourami after two days because thats whats the people at the pet store told me. Am i out if luck and money in a couple days now? I dont have another tank ti transfer them to thats already been cycled
Keep a close watch for ammonia and nitrite (buy a test kit), and be prepared to do some water changes.
How can the Nitrogen cycle get going without fish in the tank to create the Ammonia?
Sprinkle a tiny bit of fish food in the tank.
I’m cycling my 10 gallon I’m on day 4 is a Bactria bloom ok for a cycling tank also my pet store said I should cycle for a week 7 days should I wait for 14 days/ 2 weeks???
Bacteria bloom is normal. You should wait until the cycle is complete. Sometimes this can take several weeks.
Tazawa Tanks ok thx u
Tazawa Tanks umm is it ok during the Bactria bloom is it ok if I add a little bit of fish food so I can turn into ammonia??? Plus there’s a lot of bacteria during the bloom would that help cycle the tank I did hear of fish cycling I’m doing 1 week fishless cycling the rest of my cycling tank with fish it’s a 10 gallon I’m gonna add 3 guppy’s to help cause they are really hardy fish they are also the type a fish I’m gonna add to my tank but ya know fish waste equals bacteria food and I have ALIT of Bactria lol I just wanted to ask u cause I have 3 more days till I get the guppy’s to help with the rest of my cycling is this ok??0
OK I've taken my goldfish out of my pond and put them in a tank many times and only waited like 5 or 6 days. I used well water though
Everyone talks of adding fish but how many ? Can't seem to find that answer anywhere , would it b safe to add 2 ?
It depends on the species, the bio load, fish size, aggression, plants, etc.
@@TazawaTanks i like to start with 2 small clowns and then wait a week or 2 before adding another fish possibly a fox face , blenny or something like that
Tyrone Washington That sounds like a good plan once your tank has finished the cycle. Good luck!
So how do you know when the tank is ready ?
ive had a fish tank for almost 3 years but unfortunately about a year ago the fish had died and there hasnt been fish in it since. it was covered in algae I cleaned yesterday (most of it. I couldnt clean it all), the filter is older than 3 years, how long should I wait to put fish in the tank?
You should treat it like a band new tank and get a test kit and allow it to complete the nitrogen cycle. This usually takes around 4 weeks, but you will need to test it.
How about Indian Almond leaves? Would those help the fish when you first put them in when the tank starts cycling?(signs of algae and plant growth etc)
They are used to maintain your Ph level most likely
How long do you think I need to wait until I put my fish in my brand new 10 gallon tank
Thanks! Hadn't heard the tip about algae before.
Ok so my situation is that I got a brand new tank, rocks, and filter and wasn't told about the cycle. I put my goldfish in the tank way too soon and it died. Do I clean the fishtank or let it go on with it's cycle??? Help
Leave it alone until the cycle finishes. This could take several weeks.
@@TazawaTanks ok thanks
Is there a way to know when the tank is cycled without test kits ?
Pablo Nuñez No, not really. Not safely for fish at least.
So what if it is not fully cycled but everything is ok with the water after it is tested
If everything is okay after it has been tested, then it is cycled. If your testing a new tank in the first week or two and get no readings, it’s not yet cycled.
Can I used brine shrimp to speed up the process
But if I clean the tank and take out the water and put it with new water do I still need to wait a month
Um, yes?
I just cycled my tank and added about 6 fish, All are doing well and healthy, how soon can I add more fish?
I usually like to wait about a week in between adding fish.
@@TazawaTanks ok cool yea thats what ive been doing as well. Thanks :)
I am house shopping and have a 55 now with cichlids and want a house that I can set up a 125 in it. If I use my current canister and sponge filter and rocks can I set the new tank up in the move with these and of course upping my filter capacity which meets 125 now, but I am all about over filtration, can I transfer my fish to the 125 since I am using all my old stuff except the substrate. Also do you have any advice about moving the fish themselves?
Yes, that will work. Make sure to keep everything in tank water to keep the bacteria alive. How far is the move going to be?
Tazawa Tanks 30 minutes away but probably can get it done in 3 hours. Should I put old tank water in with new?
Not really necessary. Just make sure old tank water is in with the filter and rocks. As far as the fish, I would put them in 5 gallon buckets to move them.
What if my tank is already one month old and it became a house for my fishes then just after a month, I decided to aquascape my tank will I still have to wait for another month in order to add fish?
No, as long as your filter is established and you have completed the nitrogen cycle.
To make it simple, this is all about the filter not the aquarium tank? I mean of course I removed and transferred my fishes in another aquarium, drained 100% of the water content of the tank, then did the aquascaping works. Does is it still make the nitrogen cycle established? Or I am going to start from scratch once again?
help. my bfs bought my fish early. I put them in but I think there is too much ammonia and it's cloudy and a mess
Should you also have a Quarantine Tank to put new fishes in to prevent diseases...
Lflower1 Stars Yes, always.
I have well water, how soon can I add fish to my tank after set up?
Did you not watch the video or what lmak
@@Luceium01 Unless I missed something, the video discussed adding tap water, rather than well water. Which means there is no need to add the conditioner you would need to add to tap water(because of the chlorine). I don't think it would make a difference in how long it would take to cycle though.
sgtm7 you tagged the wrong person?
sgtm7 wait a min
Excellent, thank you!
When I clean out the tank will the bacteria still be In the tank?
Yes, if you just do a water change and gravel vacuum.
I didn’t know you needed to do this and brought home 2 fair fish - thankfully there large and healthy 2 years later
Carp are hard to kill but it can be done 😂
can i just add bacteria to speed up the process? other then alge how will i know if its cycled? u said to buy a test kit is this b.c of nitrates?
Buying bacteria can help speed up the process. A test kit will allow you to test for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.
@@TazawaTanks I have a test kit. I added bacteria now and I'll leave them set for a few weeks and see how it goes. Thanks
Do u know anything about mystery snails eggs? Just came home to find that they fell in the water. Do you think they're still good?
I’m not sure.
@@TazawaTanks ok thanks anyway
If I use the substrate from my old tank do I need to wait for that long 1 month?
Arghadip Ghosh I would suggest testing to see if there is some level of nitrates in the tank. However, if you are adding a lot of old substrate, you should be able to add a few fish. Not the full stocking amount, but a few to start.
That is true it takes about a month to cycle but that is not true if you buy the ingredients to it, I have a tank that I put fish literally the next day and they are just fine, buy the right bacteria and add your fish and you should be fine
If it's new and all the components are new how can algae start growing? Isn't it just cycling the clean tap water?
No, because in order for the cycle to start and be complete, some type of organic has to be introduced so that ammonia can be introduced. This can be from something like a pinch of fish food, a decaying leaf or piece of wood, etc.
@@TazawaTanks oh ok. Thanks for responding. Well this is what I just did...
I took the used filter out of my already established tank and put it in the brand new one. Then put the brand new filter in the old tank. My thinking was the good bacteria from the old tank would cycle in the new tank and the new filter would help clean the old tank while also gleaning bacteria for when I swap back in a day or so. Legit? Did I F up?
@@tsteel80 That’s exactly what I would do. The old filter in the new tank is just the jumpstart it needs. If you didn’t add fish right away after adding the old filter to the new tank, sprinkle some food in there to feed the bacteria.
With the the old tank and new filter, the bacteria that’s in the substrate and on decorations will find its way into the new filter in a few days.
@@TazawaTanks ok awesome! No new fish yet. I just finished the build so figured I'd give it a couple days.
How do you know when your fish is carrying?
How does a tank cycle with nothing to get it going? As in nothing biological or bacteria - wise.
Sprinkle some fish food in the tank and let it rot. Bacteria will grow and consume the waste.
How many gallons is that tank to your right.
The tank on my right is 75, and the one on my left is 60.
Gret video, I need some help. Recently ive bought 360l (95) gal tank. I think ill keep 2oscars, tank was used and came with old filter. Ill change the filter because its too small. If I run tank with old and later add new, do I still need to do cycle?
If the old filter already has been cycled, you will not need to run the cycle again. This means that the old filter should be filtering a tank right now. If it isn’t, you will need to start from the beginning.
Nice job Zenzo. I usually have the luxury of seeding my tanks. I usually advise that to members or just wait for algae growth and go very slow.
My old 125g Emperor 400 x’s 2 filter pads, bio wheels, ceramic media sat in 5 gallons of tank water for 3 months while I relocated..ready to use now in new 135 g tank...waters readings show 0 on nitrates and nitrite, ammonia 0.25 pounds
If you have 0 nitrates and 0.25 ammonia, your tank is not cycled.
When I start a new tank a usually put my new filter into my established tank for a couple weeks
And then I squeeze filter media into my new tank
I do this as well. Good tip.
How long does it take for me to add my pet catfish after I conditioned the water
20 gallon tank
What type of catfish? It's not a matter of how long it's a matter of when the tank cycles, you'll need a test kit and there's hundreds of articles and videos on it, it's called the nitrogen cycle and every single tank needs it. If you're cycling a completely new tank, it will take about 4-6 weeks, maybe longer
Winnie More ok thanks it’s a channel cat
Good video. I get asked this all the time
Can i just go get 20 gallons of local river water rather than tap?
so... i putted my 5 fish in that i got with the aquarium in it after 24 hours (warm water fish), bought from a guy who had to stop cuz a baby was coming ;D but then i got to a store n they sad exact same that they will 99% die cuz the water, bac exc. i used old sponges/filter. i putted bacterie already in it and conditioner. but when i test the water with 2 types of test strips (tests 6 things) they are all good. ?????? idk why but seems oke ??????
Good video, thank you. One thing you didn't explain was what you're feeding the filters with when there are no fish?
BobbyG.Cichlids Good point. I always add a little fish food to feed the bacteria.
People emailed me on Facebook 0:12 🤣🤣 but great video thanks for the great tips have a good day everyone !!!
Messages🤣 I get them almost everyday on Facebook.
@@TazawaTanks yea not supised nowadays everyone's getting into the hobby and have not a single clue they think they can just do all the stuff the youtubers do or put 20 goldfish in a 5 gallon with a betta no heater or filter then they wonder why there fish die the next morning
Does the size of the tank have to do with the cycle time?
Not really. It may differ by a couple of days, but basically the same.
What kind of fish are behind you.
Peacocks and small haps on my right, and neolamprologus multifaciatus and brichardi on my left.
Tazawa Tanks . Cichlids also
Can other dead fish add to the beneficial bacteria?? Asking for a friend…..
Yeah video man.
Great advice!
Fantastic thx for the great tips. Well done
Will stability work for bacteria?
Tylerjane Warwick yea there is a purple bottle called bio something. Just dump that whole bottle in and wait about a week and you’ll see growth
Benny Fitzgerald no way
Not sure how the tank can cycle if there's nothing to create the bacteria. I was always taught run the tank for a couple weeks and it should be okay. Never put the fish early after set up. Most of the reason fish die when being put in a few fish tank is the stress of being moved itself. I had fish for years and never waited more than a week or two to add new fish. They were mostly fine.
Thanks this video really helped me
I got five gallon for my Betta.i tired clean two gallon constant.I cycle tank he elderly he is dying